OLYMPIA – The waters south of Foulweather Bluff in Marine Area 9 will open to salmon fishing beginning Aug. 16.

Anglers fishing that area, south of a line from Foulweather Bluff to Olele Point, will have a daily limit of two salmon, but must release chum and chinook salmon. The area was closed to protect mid-Hood Canal chinook.

“With the chinook season wrapping up and a strong run of coho expected, we are able to open the area two weeks early this year,” said Ryan Lothrop, Puget Sound recreational salmon manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Through Aug. 15, anglers fishing Marine Area 9 north of Foulweather Bluff can retain hatchery chinook, as part of their two-salmon daily limit. Beginning Aug. 16, anglers in Marine Area 9 must release all chinook salmon and chum. For details on regulations, check the fishing rules pamphlet, which is available on the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/.